Originally Posted by
QueenOfCoach
True, but with 56 years of experience living and working in the US I am right on tipping practices much more often than I am wrong.
No, the IRS sees it as a minimum tip, not a reasonable tip. 15% is the normal tip for decent service in a restaurant, 20% for excellent service.
Also, remember, that in some establishments the tips are pooled and shared by the entire service staff. That is all "behind the scenes"; the customer has no need to know what happens to the tip after leaving. It could be the server actually gets 8%, and the other 7% are shared with the cooks, bus people, food runners, etc.
I agree fully with everyone who finds the system to be confusing. I would LOVE to see things change to a non-tipping culture. However, I live and work in a culture where tips are customary and expected in certain establishments. I tip accordingly, as I respect the dignity of honest work. Stiffing the tip, in situations where is it customary and expected, and deserved is not respecting the dignity of honest work. It's asking someone to work for you for free. That's just my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.
If others want to change the system by not tipping service workers, that's their business. Be prepared for lousy service when you return, though, and be prepared for lousy service if word gets out that a certain subset of people (nationality? eg) are known for stiffing the tip. I have known restaurants that actually refuse service to notorious lousy tippers.
I guess it seems strange to me that the IRS isn't assuming 15% and making you prove you DIDN'T get it - isn't that what taxmen love to do
I will continue, as I do, to tip for good service. But then the vast majority of servers I get are good at their jobs. The couple of percent who are shockingly bad shouldn't be coasting by on 15-20% on every bill just because it is the done thing. I wouldn't let rubbish performance at work slide for those I manage (and that isn't even my own dollar!), nor will I do it when I am paying for service elsewhere. I don't think good servers have anything to worry about, but I REALLY want people to stop tipping the ones who are terrible anything at all.